First snow, winter trip tips, final days to give, Friends strategic plan, and more…
Beavers stay warm in their thick, waterproof fur coats. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Throughout the last year in this newsletter, we’ve shown you the beautiful landscape of Katahdin Woods and Waters, updated you on advocacy efforts and ecological successes, shared youth outdoor adventures, and celebrated the completion of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station. This month, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the power of folks working together to make a difference – people like YOU.
Just two weeks ago, the 9th running of the famed grassroots Millinocket Marathon and Half hosted nearly 3,000 runners and thousands more spectators hailing from all 50 states and several countries. What part of running 13-26 miles on dirt roads in freezing temperatures makes this happen? The joy of sharing a community experience! Hearts and spirits warm while witnessing runners achieving their goals, bustling local businesses, and the many homegrown festivities.
Likewise, Friends is made up of folks who, among other things, care about a special place, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. While we may not ever all gather together in one location, we seek ways to connect as a community throughout the year. Whether networking at a member event, learning about trees in the monument with a ranger, or paddling on the East Branch with loved ones, this land brings us closer to nature, and to one another.
Friends’ staff on a snowshoe outing last winter. From L-R: Brian, Kala, Meghan, Sarah, Elise, Ruger. Credit FKWW
Keep reading for a preview of activities this winter, news from the park service, and more. And from all of us–happy holidays, Friends!
Friends’ New Strategic Plan
Click to view our new strategic plan now! Photo credit: Nolan Altvater
Last year, Friends began a robust and immersive process to chart the course for our next three years. Board, staff, stakeholders, and Katahdin region community members contributed, and we are delighted to now share the final plan! The strategic planning was facilitated by the talented folks at Solid Ground Consulting and funded through a capacity-building grant from the National Park Foundation.
In this exciting next chapter, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters will work hand in hand with the National Park Service, Wabanaki tribal communities, and Katahdin region communities to ensure the National Monument reaches its full potential. A highlight within the plan is naming, for the first time, our aspirational vision for the future and a set of values to guide us as new decisions and opportunities inevitably arise. Our updated mission is:
To preserve, protect, and enhance Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and inspire a community dedicated to its future.
Improvements for visitors–today and into the future. Photo credit: FKWW
Early this fall, we shared an ambitious fundraising challenge from Board President Molly Ross. Today, with the combined power of new members and longtime champions, we are more than 90% towards our ambitious year-end goal!. Now is your time—will you join Molly and many others to meet the challenge before December 31st?
Executive Director Brian Hinrichs shared, “In the history of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, I believe we will look back and realize that this was the moment when anticipation turned to excitement. On a recent fall hike up the Deasey Mountain Trail, I saw evidence of important investments taking shape all around the monument.”
If you have recently renewed your financial support, thank you.
Get Ready for Winter Recreation
The Old River Road parking area last winter. Photo credit: Ross Knowlton
Some early snowstorms have us excited for winter activities in the monument and the whole Katahdin region. From winter hiking and snowshoeing, wildlife photography to cross-country skiing – there are ways for everyone to get out and enjoy the pristine beauty of the landscape, and if you like, relax by a cozy fireside at the end of the day, too!
Skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are permitted on all ungroomed trails in the monument. The intrepid adventurer may be rewarded by a magical experience breaking fresh tracks and sighting wildlife in a glittering snowscape. However, be prepared! Even small problems can become deadly when compounded by low temperatures and changing conditions. Vist Winter Safety – Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) to learn more.
Katahdin Area Trails, a nonprofit whose mission is “to grow exceptional non-motorized trail experiences and a vibrant, welcoming trails community in Maine’s Katahdin Region,” maintains a live hub for grooming reports from for the region’s recreational trails. Bookmark the grooming report link and keep it handy when you are looking to get out on snow for an hour after work or a full day of skiing, snowshoeing, or fatbiking. For my personal and gratuitous take on some local trails, you can check out the nordic skiing blog post I wrote last season.
Heading to the region for the night, weekend, or longer? Search for the perfect accomodations and more at the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce’s business directory. If you still have questions, please send me an email and I will help you find the information you need for a fun trip.
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Hiring season has started for seasonal summer jobs at KAWW! Open positions include Trails Crew, Equipment Operator, and more and start at $21.98/hour. Contact Robert Weaver or search “Patten” on USAjobs.gov.
Join NPS at the Millinocket Memorial Library December 30 for a family-friendly program on Winter Wildlife. Learn more here.
KAWW Education Specialist Crystal Lewis and Maine Forest Service District Forester Lauren Ouellete will lead a winter edition of Tree Talks in Patten on Saturday January 25th. This free event takes place outdoors and snowshoes will be available! Registration is required.
This month, KAWW Facility Manager Dewey Loft traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept a 2023 NPS Director’s Award for Excellence in Natural Resource Management in Maintenance for his work improving endangered Atlantic salmon passage. Congratulations, Dewey!
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Snowmobile season is nearly here…check out this hub of information including a regional map, event calendar for local club happenings, and more at the Katahdin Area Snowmobile Trails site.
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our wonderful Katahdin level sponsor Maine Beer Company! Committed to “do good through great beer,” MBC supports many environmental organizations in Maine as a proud member of 1% for the Planet since their founding in 2009. And thank you to Trust for Public Land supporting Friends at the Deasey level in 2024! TPL works nationwide to create and improve outdoor access for all.
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming a sponsor in 2025, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on December 20, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Making first tracks – December eNewsletter
Posted: December 20, 2024 by Sarah Andre
First snow, winter trip tips, final days to give, Friends strategic plan, and more…
Throughout the last year in this newsletter, we’ve shown you the beautiful landscape of Katahdin Woods and Waters, updated you on advocacy efforts and ecological successes, shared youth outdoor adventures, and celebrated the completion of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station. This month, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the power of folks working together to make a difference – people like YOU.
Just two weeks ago, the 9th running of the famed grassroots Millinocket Marathon and Half hosted nearly 3,000 runners and thousands more spectators hailing from all 50 states and several countries. What part of running 13-26 miles on dirt roads in freezing temperatures makes this happen? The joy of sharing a community experience! Hearts and spirits warm while witnessing runners achieving their goals, bustling local businesses, and the many homegrown festivities.
Likewise, Friends is made up of folks who, among other things, care about a special place, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. While we may not ever all gather together in one location, we seek ways to connect as a community throughout the year. Whether networking at a member event, learning about trees in the monument with a ranger, or paddling on the East Branch with loved ones, this land brings us closer to nature, and to one another.
Keep reading for a preview of activities this winter, news from the park service, and more. And from all of us–happy holidays, Friends!
Friends’ New Strategic Plan
Last year, Friends began a robust and immersive process to chart the course for our next three years. Board, staff, stakeholders, and Katahdin region community members contributed, and we are delighted to now share the final plan! The strategic planning was facilitated by the talented folks at Solid Ground Consulting and funded through a capacity-building grant from the National Park Foundation.
In this exciting next chapter, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters will work hand in hand with the National Park Service, Wabanaki tribal communities, and Katahdin region communities to ensure the National Monument reaches its full potential. A highlight within the plan is naming, for the first time, our aspirational vision for the future and a set of values to guide us as new decisions and opportunities inevitably arise. Our updated mission is:
View the entire plan at friendsofkww.org/plan.
Friends’ Annual Appeal Final Days!
Early this fall, we shared an ambitious fundraising challenge from Board President Molly Ross. Today, with the combined power of new members and longtime champions, we are more than 90% towards our ambitious year-end goal!. Now is your time—will you join Molly and many others to meet the challenge before December 31st?
Executive Director Brian Hinrichs shared, “In the history of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, I believe we will look back and realize that this was the moment when anticipation turned to excitement. On a recent fall hike up the Deasey Mountain Trail, I saw evidence of important investments taking shape all around the monument.”
If you have recently renewed your financial support, thank you.
Get Ready for Winter Recreation
Some early snowstorms have us excited for winter activities in the monument and the whole Katahdin region. From winter hiking and snowshoeing, wildlife photography to cross-country skiing – there are ways for everyone to get out and enjoy the pristine beauty of the landscape, and if you like, relax by a cozy fireside at the end of the day, too!
Conditions permitting, skiers and snowshoers can enjoy groomed trails at the north entrance (pictured above) to Katahdin Woods and Waters from mid January to mid-March. Always check current conditions before you head out to the trails here: Winter Trail Conditions – Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (U.S. National Park Service).
Skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are permitted on all ungroomed trails in the monument. The intrepid adventurer may be rewarded by a magical experience breaking fresh tracks and sighting wildlife in a glittering snowscape. However, be prepared! Even small problems can become deadly when compounded by low temperatures and changing conditions. Vist Winter Safety – Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) to learn more.
Katahdin Area Trails, a nonprofit whose mission is “to grow exceptional non-motorized trail experiences and a vibrant, welcoming trails community in Maine’s Katahdin Region,” maintains a live hub for grooming reports from for the region’s recreational trails. Bookmark the grooming report link and keep it handy when you are looking to get out on snow for an hour after work or a full day of skiing, snowshoeing, or fatbiking. For my personal and gratuitous take on some local trails, you can check out the nordic skiing blog post I wrote last season.
Heading to the region for the night, weekend, or longer? Search for the perfect accomodations and more at the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce’s business directory. If you still have questions, please send me an email and I will help you find the information you need for a fun trip.
Behind the Signs
News from the National Park Service and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Ripple Effect
News and notes from the Katahdin region, the Friends community, and beyond
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to our wonderful Katahdin level sponsor Maine Beer Company! Committed to “do good through great beer,” MBC supports many environmental organizations in Maine as a proud member of 1% for the Planet since their founding in 2009.
And thank you to Trust for Public Land supporting Friends at the Deasey level in 2024! TPL works nationwide to create and improve outdoor access for all.
Sponsors provide crucial funding that supports Friends’ mission and work. To learn more about becoming a sponsor in 2025, visit friendsofkww.org/sponsorship or contact sarah@friendsofkww.org.
—This blog post was adapted from an email sent on December 20, 2024. Sign up for our email list at friendsofkww.org/signup
Category: Uncategorized